| Webster's Online Dictionary |
| Expressions | Definition | ||
| In terrorem | In terrorem, Latin for "in [order to] frighten," is a legal term used to describe a warning, usually one given in hope of compelling someone to act without resorting to a lawsuit or criminal prosecution. For example, many intellectual property attorneys send in terrorem letters, which threaten litigation absent compliance with the written request, to persons that are violating their clients' trademark rights before resorting to court proceedings. (references) | ||
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
| Expressions | Domain | Definition | |
| In terrorem | Law | IN TERROREM. By way of threat, terror, or warning. For example, when a legacy is given to a person upon condition not to dispute the validity or the dispositions in wills and testaments, the conditions are not in general obligatory, but only in terrorem; if, therefore, there exist probabilis causa litigandi, the non-observance of the conditions will not be a forfeiture. 2 Vern. 90; 1 Hill. Ab. 253; 3 P. Wms. 344; 1 Atk. 404. But when the acquiescence of the legatee appears to be a material ingredient in the gift, the bequest is only quousque the legatee shall refrain from disturbing the will. 2 P. Wms. 52; 2 Ventr. 352. For cases of legacies given to a wife while she shall continue unmarried, see 1 Madd. R. 590; 1 Rop. Leg. 558. (references) | |
| In terrorem | Literature | (Latin). As a warning, to deter others by terrifying them. Source: Brewer's Dictionary. | |
| In terrorem populi | Law | IN TERROREM POPULI. To the terror of the people. An indictment for a riot is bad, unless it conclude in terrorem populi. 4 Carr. & Payne, 373. (references) | |
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
